mountaineering – Exploring Table Mountain

There are plenty of ways to reach the top of Table Mountain, one of South Africa’s iconic landmarks. Whether you choose to walk, hike or ride to the top, one thing is for sure: You’ll experience some of the most breathtaking views in the world, of two great oceans and the beautiful city of Cape Town.

For most visitors to the Cape, as well as many locals, conquering Table Mountain is an exciting feat. For the fit and adventurous, there are plenty of scenic hiking and walking trails, while for those who prefer a more leisurely ascent, the famous cable car offers a novel journey to the top. You could even combine the two by hiking to the top and treating yourself to a cable car ride back down.

Below, discover some of the best ways to explore Table Mountain on foot, via cable car, or even by bicycle. Whether you’re fit and fearless or simply seeking a scenic trip, there’s a route to the top for you! All ages and fitness levels are catered for, so be sure to visit Table Mountain next time you’re in the Cape.

View from the top: Best ways to reach the top of Table MountainThe most well-known route to the top of Table Mountain is via the cable car, which can be enjoyed by all ages. It offers spectacular 360° views over the city and its surrounding seas, and an effortless 5-minute journey to the top of the mountain. Once at the peak, visitors are able to enjoy refreshments at the restaurant, strolls along demarcated paths, and superb photographic opportunities afforded by the 1086m-high vantage point above the city.

For those with a taste for adventure, a hike to the top of Table Mountain is infinitely rewarding, and there are plenty of magnificent paths to choose from.  Explore the front of Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge, a 3 to 4-hour hike, which traces the path of the original conquerors of Table Mountain. Until the mid-19th century, only a handful of intrepid explorers had managed to reach the summit on foot! This route offers wonderful views of Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head on either side of the mountain and, once at the peak, it’s just a short walk to the cable car station. Take a ride down in the cable car, or hike back down the mountain.

Alternatively, pick another popular route: Skeleton Gorge, via Maclear’s Beacon – the highest point on Table Mountain. This route starts in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and takes hikers on a charming trail from the back to the front of the mountain. Start with an easy walk through the botanical gardens before reaching the gorge, where you’ll will discover streams and shady forests, as well as rockfalls and ladders. Reaching the summit is highly rewarding, and here you’ll discover some of the best views of the city, all the way to Cape Point.

Another picturesque route is via Silvermine Nature Reserve, which offers fantastic views combined with plenty of fynbos and rock formations to admire. Karbonkelberg, meanwhile, is an easier, less-frequented hike that features dramatic views of the Atlantic and an eerie shipwreck. It’s a path favoured by locals and unknown to most visitors – thus considered one of the secrets of the Cape.

If you’re a visitor to the Cape or unfamiliar with the terrain, it’s recommended that you take a guided hike or walk when you visit Table Mountain.

Table Mountain for adrenaline junkies

For those who want to get their blood rushing as they explore Table Mountain, there are some fantastic adventure activities on offer, including rock and sport climbing, abseiling, cycling and scrambling.

The abseil at the top of Table Mountain is the world’s highest commercial abseil, a 112-meter descent roughly 1062 meters above sea level. Scrambling is also a popular activity, and one that is suitable for adventure seekers of all ages. It involves easy rock climbing and boulder hopping, as well as negotiating trickier terrain. Mountain biking enthusiasts will find plenty of scenic and challenging routes on Table Mountain, and will especially enjoy the fantastic downhill cycling, which is not for the faint-hearted!

Unless you’re a professional, all of these activities should be enjoyed under the auspices of a qualified guide.

If you’re travelling to the Cape during the peak travel season of November to March, book your hike, guided walk or adventure activity in advance to secure your spot. Also be sure to check the weather conditions at the top of the mountain on the day that you’ll be visiting.

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